BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Two overnight house fires in Birmingham started with food left unattended on the stove, and firefighters said it will only get worse in the coming days.

'Tis the season for cooking and, in Birmingham, that means more cooking fires. In eastern Birmingham, a one-story house received 20 percent fire damage and 50 percent smoke damage in the blaze in the 7400 block of Second Avenue South. The second fire happened on the other side of town, 2200 block of 25th Street in Ensley, and left the same amount of damage in its wake.

"During the Christmas holidays, citizens can easily get wrapped up in entertaining guests,'' said Birmingham Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief C.W. Mardis, "but it is important to remember to monitor meal preparation closely because most cooking fires start due to inattention."

Thanksgiving and Christmas are typically the busiest times of year for Birmingham firefighters. Since 2007, cooking fires during the holiday season have caused more than $1 million in property damage. Mardis said four Birmingham residents were seriously burned over Christmas last year from cooking and chimney fires.

Mardis said residents should have a professional inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys before using them. He also offered other safety tips for cooking and for holiday decoration safety.

Cooking Safety Tips:

-Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food.

-If you must leave home, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove or oven.

-Use a timer to remind you the stove or oven is on,

-Stay alert. Don't cook if you are sleepy, have been drinking alcohol or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy.